Disc cartridge

ABSTRACT

A recording and/or reproducing apparatus comprises a holder provided with an engagement portion with which there is engaged a portion of a shutter opening mechanism provided at the recording and/or reproducing apparatus side at insertion end side into the recording and/or reproducing apparatus, and a tray movably held with respect to the holder and provided with a disc mounting portion. The tray is adapted so that when there is the state where at least the engagement portion is engaged with the shutter opening mechanism, the tray is permitted to be moved with respect to the holder so that drawing operation from the recording and/or reproducing apparatus can be made. At the tray, there is provided a releasing portion for releasing engagement with respect to the engagement portion of the holder of the shutter opening mechanism in the state positioned at the insertion end side into the recording and/or reproducing apparatus. The engagement releasing portion is adapted so that when the disc mounting portion is moved to the position at which the disc mounting portion is covered by the holder, it releases engagement with respect to the engagement portion of the shutter opening mechanism.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a disc cartridge adapted for exchangeablyaccommodating discs such as optical disc or magneto-optical disc, etc.which serves as a recording medium of information signals, and moreparticularly to a disc cartridge for permitting loading with respect toa disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus to which disc cartridgehaving shutter for opening or closing an opening portion which allowsthe disc to be faced toward the external of the disc in place of thedisc cartridge.

BACKGROUND ART

Hitherto, there are used discs such as optical disc or magneto-opticaldisc, etc. as recording medium of information signals.

In the disc of this kind, there are discs in which loading with respectto disc recording and/or reproducing unit is carried out by the discalone and there are discs in which disc is accommodated within the disccartridge and loading with respect to the disc recording and/orreproducing unit is carried out in the state where the disc isaccommodated within this disc cartridge.

As disc recording and/or reproducing unit adapted for carrying outloading by the disc alone without being accommodated into the disccartridge, there are used disc recording and/or reproducing unit of thetray loading system using disc tray.

The disc recording and/or reproducing unit of the tray loading systemcomprises, as shown in FIG. 1, a disc tray 203 for carrying out loadingof disc 202 handled by the disc alone with respect to the unit body 201.The disc tray 203 is adapted so that a recess shaped disc mountingportion 204 on which the disc 202 is mounted is provided at one surfaceside, and is provided so that it can be moved within the range between afirst position at which the disc mounting portion 204 is projectedtoward the external of the unit body 201 through an opening portion 205provided at the unit body 201 and a second position in which the discmounting portion is accommodated within the unit body 201.

In order to carry out loading of the disc 202, the disc tray 203 ismoved from the unit body 201 to the first position of the external ofthe unit body 201 to mount the disc 202 on the disc mounting portion204. Then, the disc tray 203 is moved to the second position within theunit body 201, whereby the disc 202 mounted on the disc mounting portion204 is caused to undergo loading with respect to the recording and/orreproducing unit provided within the unit body 201.

In this way, in the disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus adaptedso that disc 202 is caused to undergo loading by the disc alone, thereis the possibility that disc 202 may be damaged during loading. When thedisc 202 is damaged, missing in recording/reproduction of informationsignals is caused to take place.

In order to realize protection of the disc 202, a disc cartridge 211adapted for accommodating this disc 202 is used. This disc cartridge 211serves to exchangeably accommodate the disc 202, and comprises, as shownin FIG. 2, a cartridge body 212 for accommodating the disc 202, and acover body 214 for opening/closing the opened side for carrying outinsertion/withdrawal of disc 202 provided at the cartridge body 212. Ata bottom surface portion 212 a of the cartridge body 212, a discmounting portion 215 on which disc 202 is mounted is provided, and thedisc 202 is accommodated in the state mounted on the disc mountingportion 215. At the bottom surface portion 212 a of the cartridge body212, there is provided an opening portion 216 for allowing the portionextending from the central portion of the disc 202 toward the outercircumferential side to be faced to the external. The disc 202accommodated within this disc cartridge 211 can be desirably exchangedby opening the cover body 214.

As the disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus using the disccartridge 211 which has accommodated the disc 202 in this way, there isused an apparatus of the slot-in system which can directly carry outloading of the disc cartridge 211 into the unit body without using thedisc tray. As shown in FIG. 3, this disc recording and/or reproducingapparatus of the slot-in system serves to carry out loading of the disccartridge 211 through a cartridge insertion/withdrawal hole 222 providedat the front side of the unit body 221.

Meanwhile, there are instances where user desires to carry out loadingby the disc alone in order to realize promptly or easiness of loadingoperation in discs of a certain kind such as optical disc of thereproduction only type, etc. In view of the above, there has beenproposed a disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus which permitsdisc 202 to undergo loading by disc alone along with disc cartridge 211which has accommodated the disc 202 therewithin. This disc recordingand/or reproducing apparatus is the apparatus employing the tray loadingsystem. As shown in FIG. 4, this disc recording/reproducing apparatusincludes a disc tray 232 provided with a cartridge mounting portion 231on which disc 202 or disc cartridge 211 can be mounted. This disc tray232 is movably disposed within the range between first position at whichcartridge mounting portion 231 provided at one surface side is projectedtoward the external of the unit body 234 and second position at whichthe cartridge loading portion 231 is accommodated within the unit body234.

In this disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus, in order to allowdisc cartridge 211 which has accommodated the disc 202 to undergoloading, disc cartridge 211 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion231 to move the disc tray 232 to second position within the unit body233, whereby the disc cartridge 211 mounted on the cartridge mountingportion 231 is loaded with respect to the cartridge loading portionwithin the unit body 234 so that disc 202 accommodated within the disccartridge 211 is loaded with respect to the recording and/or reproducingunit.

Moreover, in the case where the disc 202 is loaded by disc alone, disc202 is mounted on the disc mounting portion provided within thecartridge loading portion 231 to move the disc tray 232 to the secondposition within the unit body 233, whereby the disc 202 mounted on thedisc mounting portion is loaded with respect to the recording and/orreproducing section provided within the unit body 234.

Both the disc alone and the cartridge are permitted to undergo loading,whereby loading corresponding to kind of disc can be selected. Thus,improvement in the operability can be realized. However, in the case ofcarrying out loading of disc without accommodating it into the disccartridge, it is difficult to prevent attachment of dust onto the discthus to securely prevent so that the disc is damaged.

In order to realize reliable protection of the disc, it is desirable toaccommodate it within the disc cartridge.

Meanwhile, in the disc cartridge 211 which has exchangeably accommodatedthe above-described disc 202, in order to carry out exchange of the disc202, it is necessary to once eject the disc from the disc recordingand/or reproducing unit to carry out opening/closing operation of thecover body 214 to carry out exchange with other disc 202. As a result,the exchange work becomes complicated.

In order to reduce the exchange work of the disc 202 or to eliminatesuch exchange work, it is necessary to prepare disc cartridges 211corresponding to the number of discs 202. As a result, a large space isrequired for storage of the disc 202.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

An object of this invention is to provide a disc cartridge capable ofexchanging the disc in the state where it is loaded with respect to arecording and/or reproducing unit for the purpose of easily exchangingthe disc.

Another object of this invention is to provide a disc cartridge capableof carrying out loading in place of this disc cartridge with respect toa disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus to which there is causedto undergo loading disc cartridge having shutter which opens or closesan opening portion for allowing disc conventionally proposed or used tobe faced toward the external.

A further object of this invention is to provide a disc cartridgecapable of exchanging disc in the state where disc cartridge is loadedwith respect to the recording and/or reproducing unit as it is, capableof easily taking out, from the recording and/or reproducing apparatus,the entirety of disc cartridge along with the disc, and capable ofallowing other disc cartridge to quickly undergo loading with respect tothe recording and/or reproducing apparatus.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a disc cartridgecapable of safely and securely carrying out exchange work of disc whichhas been accommodated.

A still more further object of this invention is to provide a disccartridge which can realize reliable protection of the disc while easilypermitting exchange of the disc.

A disc cartridge according to this invention proposed for the purpose ofattaining objects as described above can be loaded with respect to arecording and/or reproducing apparatus adapted so that there is loaded adisc cartridge adapted so that disc serving as a recording medium ofinformation signals is accommodated, an opening portion for allowing aportion of the disc to be faced toward the external along the radialdirection is provided, and a shutter for opening/closing the openingportion is attached, and comprises a holder provided with an engagementportion with which there is engaged a portion of a shutter openingmechanism provided at the recording and/or reproducing apparatus side inthe state positioned at the insertion end side into the recording and/orreproducing apparatus, and a tray movably held with respect to theholder and provided with a disc mounting portion on which disc servingas a recording medium of information signals is mounted is provided atone surface side covered by the holder. Further, the tray is adapted sothat when there is the state where at least the engagement portion isengaged with the shutter opening mechanism, the tray can be moved withrespect to the holder and drawing operation from the recording and/orreproducing apparatus can be made.

At the tray, there is provided a releasing portion for releasingengagement with the engagement portion of the holder of the shutteropening mechanism in the state positioned at the insertion end side intothe recording and/or reproducing apparatus. This engagement releasingportion is adapted so that when the tray is moved with respect to theholder so that it is located at position where the disc mounting portionis covered by the holder, it releases engagement with respect to theengagement portion of the shutter opening mechanism.

At the tray, there are provided plural disc supporting members forsupporting disc mounted on the disc mounting portion in the statepositioned at the outer periphery of the disc mounting portion, thus toprevent slipping off of the disc mounted on the disc mounting portion.

Further, guide means for guiding movement with respect to the holder ofthe tray is provided between the holder and the tray. Thus, stablemovement with respect to the holder of the tray is realized.

Further, between the holder and the tray, there is provided a slippingoff prevention mechanism for preventing slipping off from the holder ofthe tray when at least the tray is drawn to the position at whichloading/unloading of the disc on the disc mounting portion covered bythe holder can be made. Accordingly, easy slipping off from the holderof the tray is prevented. Thus, reliable protection of the disc mountedon the disc mounting portion is realized.

Further, between the holder and the tray, there is provided a movementlimiting mechanism such that when the holder and the tray are caused tooverlap with each other at the position where the disc mounting portionis covered, they are relatively engaged with each other to limitrelative movement between the holder and the tray. Thus, reliableprotection of disc mounted on the disc mounting portion is realized.

Furthermore, at the tray, there is provided grasp portion which can beindependently grasped with respect to the holder at one end sideopposite to insertion end side into the recording and/or reproducingapparatus. Thus, only the tray is drawn from the recording and/orreproducing apparatus so that exchange of disc can be made.

In addition, at the holder, there is provided, at one end side oppositeto insertion end side into the recording and/or reproducing apparatus, agrasp portion which can be grasped integrally with the tray when theholder and the tray overlap with each other at position where they coverthe disc mounting portion to grasp this grasping portion to draw out itto thereby draw out the holder and the tray in one body from therecording and/or reproducing unit, thus permitting other disc cartridgeto undergo loading with respect to the recording and/or reproducingunit.

Still further objects of this invention and more practical meritsobtained by this invention will become more clear from the explanationof the embodiments which will be described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a disc recording and/or reproducingapparatus adapted for allowing disc to undergo loading by disc alone.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a conventional disc cartridgeadapted for exchangeably accommodating disc therewithin.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a disc recording and/or reproducingapparatus employing the slot-in system.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a disc recording and/or reproducingapparatus which permits loading of disc alone and disc cartridge.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing first disc cartridge conventionallyproposed.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view when the state where shutter provided atfirst disc cartridge is opened is viewed from the bottom surface side.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the first disc cartridge.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of first disc cartridge showing mounting state ofshutter.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing disc recording and/or reproducingapparatus in which first disc cartridge is used.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the state where first disc cartridge isinserted into the disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the state where first disc cartridge iscaused to undergo loading with respect to the disc recording and/orreproducing apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of second disc cartridge according to thisinvention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the state where tray is drawn out fromholder.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of holder constituting the second disc cartridge.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the holder.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the holder.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of tray constituting the second disc cartridgeaccording to this invention.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the tray.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the tray.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the state where second disccartridge according to this invention is inserted into the discrecording and/or reproducing apparatus.

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the state where second disc cartridge isheld by cartridge drawing mechanism.

FIG. 22 is a plan view showing the state where second disc cartridge isloaded with respect to the disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus.

FIG. 23 is a plan view showing the state where tray of the second disccartridge is drawn out until the middle portion from the disc recordingand/or reproducing apparatus.

FIG. 24 is a plan view showing the state where the tray is drawn out tothe drawing position at which disc can be exchanged.

FIG. 25 is a plan view showing the state where another example of seconddisc cartridge according to this invention is shown and tray is drawnout from the holder.

FIG. 26 is a side view of the second disc cartridge showing the statewhere tray is drawn out from holder.

FIG. 27 is a side view of the second disc cartridge showing the statewhere tray is inserted into the holder.

FIG. 28 is a plan view showing the state where a further example ofsecond disc cartridge according to this invention is shown, and showingthe state where tray is drawn out from the holder.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A disc cartridge according to this invention will now be described withreference to the attached drawings.

The disc cartridge according to this invention is permitted to undergoloading into the disc recording and/or reproducing unit in which disccartridge which can exchange conventionally proposed disc is loaded inplace of this disc cartridge.

Initially, first disc cartridge 1 conventionally proposed which isloaded with respect to the disc recording and/or reproducing apparatusin which disc cartridge according to this invention is loaded will bedescribed.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first disc cartridge 1 serves toexchangeably accommodate optical disc 2 of reproduction only type inwhich information signals are recorded in advance, or optical disc 2which permits write operation of information signals. The optical disc 2accommodated within this disc cartridge 1 is such that diameter iscaused to be 12 cm and a center hole 2 a is provided at the centralportion.

The first disc cartridge 1 includes a rectangular cartridge body 3formed by using opaque synthetic resin, and a cover body 5 foropening/closing one surface side of this cartridge body 3 substantiallyover the entire area.

Substantially at the central portion of one surface side opened orclosed by cover body 5 of cartridge body 3, there is provided a discmounting portion 6 which form recessed shape on which optical disc 2 ismounted in a such a manner that it is accommodated. At the bottomsurface portion of this disc mounting portion 6, as shown in FIG. 6,there is formed an opening portion 7 for allowing the area from thecentral portion where the center hole 2 a of the optical disc 2accommodated within the cartridge body 3 is provided toward the outercircumferential side to be faced toward the external. At this openingportion 7, when the first disc cartridge 1 is loaded with respect to thedisc recording and/or reproducing apparatus, there is faced disc tableand optical pick-up of the disc rotational operation mechanismconstituting the recording and/or reproducing unit provided at therecording and/or reproducing unit side.

The cover body 5 is formed so as to take plate shape by usingtransparent synthetic resin, and is adapted so that support shafts (notshown) projected on the both sides of the base end portion side arepivotally supported at pivotal supporting portions provided on bothsides of the insertion end side into the disc recording and/orreproducing unit of the cartridge body 3, and is rotatably supported inthe direction indicated by arrow A or in the direction indicated byarrow B in FIG. 5 with these pivotal portions being as center. Betweenthe cover body 5 and the cartridge body 3, there is provided a lockmechanism for holding the cover body 5 with respect to the cartridgebody 3 when the cover body 5 is rotated in the direction indicated byarrow B in FIG. 5 to close the disc mounting portion 6 although notshown.

The cover body 5 which closes the disc mounting portion 6 releasesholding with respect to the cartridge body 3, and rotates the pivotalsupporting portion in the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 5 withthe pivotal supporting portions being as center, thereby making itpossible to open the disc mounting portion 6. As the result of the factthat the disc mounting portion 6 is opened, exchange of the optical disc2 accommodated within the cartridge body 3 can be carried out.

At the central portion of the internal surface side opposite to the discmounting portion 6 of the cover body 5, there is rotatably attached aclamping member 8 for clamping the optical disc 2 mounted on the discmounting portion 6 in cooperation with the disc table of the discrotational operation mechanism provided at the recording and/orreproducing unit side when the first disc cartridge 1 is loaded withrespect to the disc recording and/or reproducing unit. At this clampingmember 8, magnetic plate such as metallic plate, etc. is provided. Themagnetic plate is attracted by magnet provided at the disc table side toclamp the optical disc 2.

Further, at the other surface side facing to the external of thecartridge body 3, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, there is formed a recessshaped shutter slide portion 9 in a broad area extending toward left andright both side surfaces of the cartridge body 3 in such a mannerextending to the position including one end surface 3 a serving asinsertion end into the disc recording and/or reproducing unit and closeto the other end surface 3 b. At the shutter slide portion 9, a shutter11 which opens or closes the opening portion 7 is disposed. This shutter11 is formed by using thin metal plate such as stainless steel, etc.,and includes a substantially rectangular shutter portion 11 a having asize (dimensions) sufficient to close the opening portion 7, wherein anattachment portion 11 b bent so as to take channel shape in crosssection is provided at one end side of the shutter portion 11 a.

At the shutter 11, the attachment portion 11 b is fixed to the slidemember 12 disposed so that it can be moved in the direction indicated byarrow C and in the direction indicated by arrow D in FIGS. 6 and 8 inthe state positioned at one end surface 3 a side of the cartridge body 3in a manner such that the attachment portion 11 b is fitted with respectto one side surface 3 a side of the cartridge body 3, whereby theshutter 11 moves in the direction indicated by arrow C and in thedirection indicated by arrow D in FIGS. 6 and 8 in one body with theslide member 12 to thereby open or close the opening portion 7.

The slide member 12 is supported by a guide shaft 13 disposed at one endsurface 3 a side within the cartridge body 3, and moves in the directionindicated by arrow C and in the direction indicated by arrow D in FIGS.6 and 8 in the state guided by this guide shaft 13.

In this example, the shutter 11 is biased in the direction indicated byarrow C in FIGS. 6 and 8 to close the opening portion 7 by extensioncoil spring (not shown) for biasing the slide member 12, and is causedto be in contact with the stopper 14 formed at the cartridge body 3 sothat it is held at the position where the opening portion 7 is closed asshown in FIG. 7.

The shutter 11 is inserted with respect to the lower surface side of theslide guide plate 16 in which the front end portion 11 c of the shutterportion 11 a is disposed in a manner extending in movement direction ofthe shutter 11 at the other surface side of the cartridge body 3. Theshutter 11 is adapted so that the front end portion 11 c of the shutterportion 11 a is supported by the slide guide plate 16 so that it islimited that the shutter 11 floats from the shutter slide portion 9.Thus, the shutter 11 can be moved in a direction to open or close theopening portion 7 in a stable state.

At the surface opposite to one end surface 3 a of the cartridge body 3of the attachment portion 11 b formed at the shutter 11, as shown inFIG. 8, there are formed, by cutting, a pair of opening/closing pinengagement portions 18, 18 with which there is engaged a shutteropening/closing pin constituting the shutter opening/closing mechanismprovided at the disc recording and/or reproducing unit side in which thefirst disc cartridge 1 is loaded.

Further, at the other surface side in which opening portion 7 of thecartridge body 3 is formed and at both sides of the other end surface 3b side, there are provided, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a pair ofpositioning pin engagement holes 19, 19 with which positioning pinsprovided at the cartridge loading portion are engaged when the firstdisc cartridge 1 is loaded with respect to the cartridge loading portionof the disc recording and/or reproducing unit.

Moreover, at the both sides of one end surface 3 a side serving asinsertion end into the disc recording and/or reproducing unit of thecartridge body 3, there are provided, as shown in FIG. 6, engagementrecessed portions 20 in which engagement pawl of the cartridge drawingmechanism provided at the disc recording and/or reproducing unit side isengaged. The first disc cartridge 1 is adapted so that when it isinserted by a predetermined quantity with respect to the disc recordingand/or reproducing unit, the engagement pawl of the cartridge drawingmechanism is engaged with the engagement recessed portion 20, wherebyloading with respect to the cartridge loading portion is automaticallycarried out by drive of the cartridge drawing mechanism,

The disc recording and/or reproducing unit 21 in which the first disccartridge 1 constituted as described above is loaded is adapted so thatcartridge insertion/withdrawal hole 23 is provided at the front side ofthe unit body 22 as shown in FIG. 9, whereby insertion/withdrawal of thedisc cartridge 1 is carried out through this cartridgeinsertion/withdrawal portion 22. Namely, this disc recording and/orreproducing unit 21 is constituted as an apparatus adapted for carryingout loading of the slot-in system.

Within the unit body 22, there is disposed a cartridge holding plate 24for holding the disc cartridge 1 inserted within the unit body 22through the cartridge insertion/withdrawal hole 23. The cartridgeholding plate 24 is adapted so that, at the side where the cartridgeholding plate 24 is formed by metal plate, there are provided cartridgeholding portions 25, 26 channel-shaped in cross section in which bothsides of the disc cartridge 1 inserted into the unit body 22 are engagedon both sides opposite to each other. The disc cartridge 1 inserted intothe unit body 22 is held at both sides by cartridge holding portions 25,26, and is inserted into the unit body 22 in the state where insertiondirection into these cartridge holding portions 25, 26 is guided.

At the internal side of the unit body 22, there is provided a shutteropening/closing mechanism 27 in such a manner that it is opposite toinsertion end in which shutter 11 of the disc cartridge 1 inserted intothe unit body 22 through cartridge insertion/withdrawal hole 23 isattached. The shutter opening/closing mechanism 27 comprises arotational arm 29 for allowing the base end portion to be supported bysupport shaft 28 vertically provided on the cartridge holding plate 24and rotatably attached with this support shaft 28 being as center, andis adapted so that opening/closing pin 30 engaged with theopening/closing pin engagement portion 18 provided at the shutter 1 ofthe first disc cartridge 1 is vertically provided at the front end sideof the rotational arm 29. A roller 31 is fitted with respect to theshutter opening/closing pin 30. The rotational arm 29 is rotationallybiased in the direction indicated by arrow E in FIG. 9 by torsional coilspring 32 wound on the support shaft 28. The rotational biasing positionof the rotational arm 29 is limited in such a manner that one sidesurface thereof is caused to be in contact with the rotational limitingpiece 33 provided at the cartridge holding plate 24. At this time, theopening/closing pin 30 is opposed to one opening/closing engagementportion 18 provided at the shutter 11 of the first disc cartridge 1inserted on the cartridge holding plate 24.

Further, at the internal side of the unit body 22, there is provided acartridge drawing mechanism 35 engaged with the first disc cartridge 1inserted into the unit body 22 by a predetermined quantity and adaptedfor further carrying out drawing operation of the disc cartridge 1toward the internal of the unit body 22. This cartridge drawingmechanism 35 comprises, as shown in FIG. 9, a first rotational lever 37for allowing the base end portion to be supported by a support shaft 36vertically provided on the cartridge holding plate 24 and rotatablyattached with the support shaft 36 being as center, a second rotationallever 39 rotatably connected through a support shaft 38 at the front endside of this first rotational lever 37, and a cartridge engagementmember 40 attached to the front end side of the second rotational lever39. At the front end side of the second rotational lever 39, anengagement pin 41 is vertically provided. This engagement pin 41 isengaged with an engagement groove 42 bored in slightly bent manner alonginsertion/withdrawal direction of the disc cartridge 1 with respect toone cartridge holding portion 25 provided at the cartridge holding plate24. The second rotational lever 39 is adapted so that the engagement pin41 is engaged with the engagement groove 42, whereby when the firstrotational lever 37 is rotated with the support shaft 36 being ascenter, the engagement pin 41 is rotated with the support shaft 38 beingas center so that the front end side in which the engagement pin 41 isvertically provided moves in a direction substantially in parallel tothe cartridge holding portion 25 to move the cartridge engagement member40 attached at the front end side in a direction substantially inparallel to insertion/withdrawal direction of the disc cartridge 1.

The cartridge holding member 40 is formed by molding synthetic resin,and is adapted so that an engagement pawl 43 engaged with the engagementrecessed portion 20 provided at one side of the first disc cartridge 1is provided at the front end side, and the base end portion side issupported by the engagement pin 41, and is rotatably attached with thisengagement pin 41 being as center. Moreover, the cartridge holdingmember 40 is adapted so that an engagement pawl 43 at the front end sideis rotationally biased by an extension spring 44 stretched between thebase end portion side of this cartridge holding member 40 and the secondrotational lever 39 in the direction indicated by arrow F in FIG. 9which is the direction projected toward the internal of the cartridgeholding portion 25.

Further, the first rotational lever 37 is rotationally biased in thedirection indicated by arrow G in FIG. 9 by torsion coil spring (notshown) wound on the support shaft 36. The first rotational lever 37 isadapted so that the rotational biasing position is limited by torsioncoil spring 46 by allowing a contact piece 47 provided at the front endside to be in contact with the rotational limiting piece 46 formed byraising a portion of the cartridge holding plate 24. The firstrotational lever 37 is rotationally biased in the direction indicated byarrow G in FIG. 9, whereby the second rotational lever 39 is moved inthe direction indicated by arrow H in FIG. 9 in which the cartridgeengagement member 40 of the front end side is moved toward the cartridgeinsertion/withdrawal hole 23 side.

When the cam plate 48 rotatably attached on the cartridge holding plate24 is rotationally operated, the first rotational lever 37 is rotated inthe direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow G in FIG. 9against the biasing force of the extension spring 44, or is rotated inthe direction indicated by arrow G in FIG. 9 which has caused to undergobiasing force of the extension spring 44. The first rotational lever 37is related to the cam plate 48 by allowing the cam follower 45 (notshown) provided at the middle portion to be engaged with a cam groove 48a formed at one surface of the cam plate 48.

The cam plate 48 is rotationally operated by a drive motor 50 attachedat the cartridge holding plate 24, is connected to the output shaft ofthe drive motor 50 through connection gear mechanism 51, and isrotationally operated in correspondence with rotational direction of thedrive motor 50.

Further, when the drive motor 50 is driven, e.g., in the forwardrotational direction, a cam plate 48 is rotated in the directionindicated by arrow I in FIG. 9 through a connection gear mechanism 51 torotate the first rotational lever 37 in the direction opposite todirection indicated by arrow G in FIG. 9 against biasing force of theextension spring 44. The second rotational lever 39 moves the cartridgeengagement member 40 of the front end side in the direction opposite tothe direction indicated by arrow H in FIG. 9 toward the internal of theunit body 22 where the cartridge engagement member 40 of the front sidehas been moved toward the cartridge insertion/withdrawal hole 23 side.When the second rotational lever 39 is moved in the direction oppositeto the direction indicated by arrow H in FIG. 9, the cartridgeengagement member 40 supported by the second rotational lever 39 ismoved in the same direction. Thus, the first disc cartridge 1 in whichthe engagement recessed portion 20 has been engaged with this cartridgeengagement member 40 is drawn into the external of the unit body 22.

Meanwhile, the cartridge holding plate 24 is vertically movablysupported within the range between a first position at whichinsertion/withdrawal of the first disc cartridge 1 can be made and asecond position lower than the first position at which recording and/orreproduction of information signals are carried out with respect to theoptical disc 2 accommodated within the first disc cartridge 1. Thecartridge holding plate 24 is adapted so that vertical movement iscontrolled by the cartridge drawing mechanism 35, and when the firstdisc cartridge 1 held by this cartridge holding plate 24 is caused to bedrawn into the drawing position of the internal of the unit body 22, itis fallen to the second position to move the first disc cartridge 1 tothe second position.

Moreover, the cartridge holding plate 24 is adapted so that when it isin the state where it has fallen on the second position, drive motor 50constituting the cartridge drawing mechanism 35 is driven in reversedirection, and is elevated in a first position direction by rotation ofthe cam plate 48. When the drive motor 50 is further driven in reversedirection from this time point, and the cam plate 48 is rotated in thedirection indicated by arrow I in FIG. 10, the first rotational lever 37undergoes biasing force of the extension spring 44 so that it is rotatedit in the direction indicated by arrow G in FIG. 9, and the secondrotational lever 39 moves the cartridge engagement member 40 of thefront end side toward the cartridge insertion/withdrawal hole 23 side toproject the first disc cartridge 1 engaged with this cartridgeengagement member 40 toward the external of the unit body 22 through thecartridge insertion/withdrawal hole 23.

The above-described disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus 21 inwhich the first disc cartridge 1 is used is adapted so that, at thelower surface side of the cartridge holding plate 24, there are disposeda disc rotational operation mechanism 55 and an optical pick-up unit 56which constitute the recording and/or reproducing unit for carrying outrecording and/or reproduction of information signals with respect to theoptical disc 2 accommodated within the first disc cartridge 1 held bythe cartridge holding plate 24. The disc rotational operation mechanism55 and the optical pick-up unit 56 are attached through a base 57disposed within the unit body 22, and are faced toward the upper side ofthe cartridge holding plate 24 through an opening portion 58 provided atthe cartridge holding plate 24.

The operation for loading the first disc cartridge 1 with respect to thedisc recording and/or reproducing apparatus 21 constituted as describedabove will now be described.

In order to carry out loading of the first disc cartridge 1, thecartridge holding plate 24 is placed at a first position which isposition of the upper side spaced or away from the disc rotationaloperation mechanism 55 and the optical pick-up unit 56. Further, thefirst disc cartridge 1 is inserted into the unit body 22 through thecartridge insertion/withdrawal hole 23 with the side where shutter 11 isattached being as insertion end. The first disc cartridge 1 insertedinto the unit body 22 is mounted on the cartridge holding plate 24 inthe state where both sides perpendicular to the insertion end side areheld by cartridge holding portions 25, 26. At this time, opening/closingpin 30 provided at the front end of the rotational arm 29 is opposed toone opening/closing engagement portion 18 provided at the shutter 11.Further, when the first disc cartridge 1 is inserted into the internalof the unit body 22, the opening/closing pin 30 is engaged with oneopening/closing pin engagement portion 18. When the opening/closing pin30 further inserts first disc cartridge 1 toward the internal of theunit body 22 from the state where the opening/closing pin 30 is engagedwith the opening/closing pin engagement portion 18, the rotational arm29 is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction indicated byarrow E in FIG. 10 against biasing force of the torsion coil spring 32.Followed by rotation of this rotational arm 29, the shutter 11 is movedin a direction to open the opening portion 7 for recording and/orreproduction provided at the cartridge body 3 to open this openingportion 7.

Further, when the first disc cartridge 1 is slightly inserted into theinternal of the unit body 22 after the opening/closing pin 30 is engagedwith the opening/closing pin engagement portion 18, the cartridgeengagement member 40 of the cartridge drawing mechanism 35 is engagedwith engagement recessed portion 20 of the first disc cartridge 1. Thus,insertion operation with respect to the cartridge holding plate 24 ofthe first disc cartridge 1 is completed.

When it is detected by detector means (not shown) that the first disccartridge 1 is inserted up to the position where the cartridgeengagement member 40 is engaged with the engagement recessed portion 20of the first disc cartridge 1, the drive motor 50 begins driving in aforward rotational direction. As a result, the cam plate 48 is rotatedin the direction indicated by arrow I in FIG. 9 through the connectiongear mechanism 51 to rotate the first rotational lever 37 in thedirection opposite to the direction indicated by arrow G in FIG. 10against biasing force of the extension spring 44 to move the secondrotational lever 39 in the direction opposite to the direction indicatedby arrow H in FIG. 10. Further, the first disc cartridge in whichengagement pawl 43 of the cartridge engagement member 40 supported bythe second rotational lever 39 is engaged with the engagement recessedportion 20 is drawn to the drawing position of the internal of the unitbody 2 at which center hole 2 a of the optical disc 2 accommodatedwithin the disc cartridge 1 is opposite to disc table 55 a of the discrotational operation mechanism 55.

At this time, the shutter 11 is moved to the position at which theopening portion 7 for recording and/or reproduction is completelyreleased by the rotational arm 29 rotated followed by insertion of thefirst disc cartridge 1.

When the drive motor 50 is further driven in a forward rotationaldirection from this time point, the cam plate 48 is rotated in thedirection indicated by arrow I in FIG. 11, and the cartridge holdingplate 24 is moved toward the second position side where the cartridgeholding plate 24 has fallen on the side of the disc rotational operationmechanism 55 and the optical pick-up unit 56. When the cartridge holdingplate 24 is fallen to the second position side, the optical disc 1accommodated within the first disc cartridge 1 is mounted on the disctable 55 a of the disc rotational operation mechanism 55, and is clampedby this disc table 55 a and the clamping member 8. Thus, there resultsthe state where the optical disc 2 is ratable in one body with the disctable 55 a. At this time point, the disc rotational operation mechanism55 starts rotational drive. Thus, the optical pick-up unit 56 is movedin the radial direction of the optical disc 2. As a result, the signalrecording surface of the optical disc 2 is scanned by light beamsemitted from the optical pick-up unit 56. Thus, recording and/orreproduction of information signals are carried out.

When recording and/or reproducing operation of information signals withrespect to the optical disc 2 are completed and eject button (not shown)provided at the unit body 22 is operated, the drive motor 50 is drivenin a reverse rotational direction so that the cam plate 48 is rotated.Thus, the cartridge holding plate 24 is elevated in a first positiondirection away from the disc rotational operation mechanism 55 and theoptical pick-up unit 56. Followed by upper movement of this cartridgeholding plate 24, the first disc cartridge 1 is also elevated. When thedrive motor 50 is further driven in a reverse rotational direction fromthis time point so that the cam plate 48 is rotated in the directionindicated by arrow I in FIG. 11, the first rotational lever 37 undergoesbiasing force of the extension spring 44 so that it is rotated in thedirection indicated by arrow G in FIG. 11. As a result, the secondrotational lever 39 moves the cartridge engagement member 40 of thefront end side toward the cartridge insertion/withdrawal hole 23 side toproject, as shown in FIG. 10, the first disc cartridge 1 engaged withthe cartridge engagement member 40 toward the external of the unit body22 through the cartridge insertion/withdrawal hole 23. The first disccartridge 1 is taken out from the unit body 22 by grasping and drawingthe portion projected toward the external of the unit body 22 throughthe cartridge insertion/withdrawal hole 23.

The shutter 11 of the first disc cartridge 1 is rotated in the directionindicated by arrow E in FIG. 11 as the result of the fact that therotational arm 29 undergoes biasing force of the torsion coil spring 32followed by movement toward the cartridge insertion/withdrawal hole 23side of the first disc cartridge 1, whereby the shutter 11 of the firstdisc cartridge 1 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow E inFIG. 11 so that it undergoes biasing force of the extension springprovided within the cartridge body 3 and is thus moved to close theopening portion 7 for recording and/or reproduction.

A second disc cartridge 101 according to this invention is caused toundergo loading with compatibility with the first disc cartridge 1 withrespect to the disc recording and/or reproducing unit 21 in which firstdisc cartridge 1 as described above is used. Accordingly, the seconddisc cartridge 101 according to this invention is formed so as to havethe external shape caused to be substantially in correspondence with theabove-described first disc cartridge 1.

The second disc cartridge 101 which is the disc cartridge according tothis invention will now be described with reference to the attacheddrawings.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, this second disc cartridge 101 comprises aholder 106 inserted and held with respect to the disc recording and/orreproducing apparatus 21 in which the previously described first disccartridge 1 is caused to undergo loading, and a tray 107 on whichoptical disc 105 (hereinafter referred to as disc 105) movably disposedwith respect to this holder 106 is mounted.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the holder 106 is formed by using syntheticresin, wherein side walls 106 b, 106 b are respectively integrallyformed on both sides opposite to each other in parallel to theinsertion/withdrawal direction with respect to the disc recording and/orreproducing unit 21 of the principal surface portion 106 a which issubstantially rectangular.

In this holder 106, at the central portion of the principal surfaceportion 106 a, there is provided an opening portion 110 which is formedcircular for attachment of clamping member. Further, plural supportingpawls 110 a are provided in a projected manner (hereinafter simplyreferred to as projected as occasion may demand) toward the internalside of the opening portion 110 at the internal surface side of theholder 106 and in the state positioned at the outer periphery of theopening portion 110, and there is rotatably supported a clamping member109 for clamping the peripheral edge portion of the center hole 105 a ofthe disc 105 in cooperation with the disc table 55 a of the discrotational operation mechanism 55 by these supporting pawls 110 a.

Moreover, at the principal surface portion 106 a of the holder 106, atthe insertion end into the disc recording/reproducing apparatus 21 ofthe second disc cartridge 101, there is cut an engagement portion 111with which the opening/closing pin 29 provided at the rotational arm 29constituting the shutter opening/closing mechanism 27 provided at thedisc recording and/or reproducing apparatus 21 is engaged. As shown inFIGS. 14 and 15, this engagement portion 111 comprises a firstengagement groove 111 a and a second engagement groove 111 b separatelycut so as to take recess shape from the central portion towardrespective side walls 106 b, 106 b symmetrically with respect to thecenter line in parallel to insertion/withdrawal direction with respectto the disc recording and/or reproducing unit 21.

Further, at one end side opposite to the insertion end side into thedisc recording and/or reproducing unit 21 of the principal surfaceportion 106 a of the holder 106, there is formed a drawing cut portion112 cut so as to take circular arc shape is formed. Thus, improvement inthe operability for carrying out drawing operation of the tray 107inserted into the holder 106 is made by this drawing cut portion 112.

Moreover, at the internal surface side of the principal surface portion106 a of the holder 106, there are formed a pair of guide grooves 113,113 which take recess shape in cross section along respective side walls106 b, 106 b in parallel to the insertion/withdrawal direction withrespect to the disc recording and/or reproducing unit 21. These guidegrooves 113, 113 open insertion end side with respect to the discrecording and/or reproducing apparatus 21. Respective guide grooves 113,113 are adapted so that when the second disc cartridge 10 is insertedinto the disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus 21, striking pieces113 a, 113 a which take substantially U-shape are integrally projectedat one end side positioned at the outer side of the unit body 22. Thesestriking pieces 113 a, 113 a close one end sides of respective guidegrooves 113, 113 to prevent slipping off from the holder 106 when tray107 movably supported by the holder 106 is drawn out from the holder106.

Moreover, at the principal surface portion 106 a of the holder 106, asshown in FIGS. 14 and 15, there are projected engagement projections114, 114 engaged with the tray 107 in the state positioned at theinsertion side into the disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus 21.

Further, on both sides of one end side of the principal surface portion106 a of the holder 106, i.e., on both sides of the drawing openingportion 112, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, there are provided gripportions 115, 115 overlapping with a portion of the tray 107 insertedinto this holder 107 and gripped together with the tray 107. At theouter surface side of these gripping portions 115, 115, as shown in FIG.14, plural uneven portions 115 a, 115 a are provided for the purpose ofputting finger. These grip portions 115, 115 serve to provideimprovement in operability in carrying out drawing operation of the tray107 from the disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus 21 along withthe holder 106.

Moreover, at internal surface sides opposite to each other of therespective side walls 106 b, 106 b of the holder 106, as shown in FIG.16, there are formed guide grooves 116, 116 for movably supporting thetray 7 are formed along the length direction. These guide grooves 116,116 open one end portions 116 a, 116 a toward one end side of theprincipal surface portion 106 a.

Further, at respective side walls 106 b, 106 b of the holder 106, thereare provided, as shown in FIG. 16, engagement holes 117 with whichcartridge engagement member 40 of the cartridge drawing mechanism 35provided at the disc recording and/or reproducing unit 21 side isengaged in the state positioned at the insertion end side of theprincipal surface portion 106 a. These engagement holes 117 are formedso as to take substantially rectangle as shown in FIG. 16.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 16, finger putting portions 118,118 consisting of plural uneven portions are formed in the statepositioned at the side where grip portions 115, 115 of the outsidesurface side of respective side walls 106 b, 106 b of the holder 106 areformed. These finger putting portions 118, 118 serve to securely gripthe holder 106 when the tray 107 is caused to undergo drawing operationfrom the holder 106, thus making it possible to securely andindependently draw out the tray 107 from the holder 6.

At the insertion end side into the disc recording and/or reproducingapparatus 21 of the holder 106, there are provided holding portions 141,142 for limiting movement in the insertion end direction of the tray 107movably held by this holder 106 to prevent slipping off from the holder106. As shown in FIG. 15, these holding portions 141, 142 are composedof limiting pieces 141 a, 142 a formed so as to hang down toward theinsertion end side of the tray 107 and supporting pieces 141 b, 142 bextended toward the internal surface side of the holder 106, and isformed so as to take channel shape in cross section and is formed sothat a portion of both sides of the insertion end side of the tray 107is engaged.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the tray 107 movablyheld by the holder 106 is formed so as to take substantially rectangularshape by molding synthetic resin. At one surface side, there areconcentrically formed a first disc mounting portion 120 which takescircular recess shape on which there is mounted first disc 105 havingdiameter similarly caused to be in correspondence with the optical disc2 accommodated within the previously described first disc cartridge 1,and a second disc mounting portion 121 which takes circular recess shapeon which the disc having diameter caused to be 80 mm is mounted. In thisexample, the second disc mounting portion 121 of small diameter is of astructure in which the bottom portion of the first disc mounting portion120 is formed so as to take recess shape.

Moreover, at the tray 7, there is provided an opening portion 122 forrecording and/or reproduction adapted so that when the second disccartridge 101 is caused to undergo loading with respect to the discrecording and/or reproducing apparatus 21, the optical pick-up device 56and the disc table 55 a of the disc rotational operation mechanism 55disposed at the disc recording and/or reproducing unit 21 are faced tofirst and second disc mounting portions 120, 121. As shown in FIG. 17,this recording and/or reproducing opening portion 122 is formed from thecentral portion toward the insertion end side into the disc recordingand/or reproducing apparatus 21 at the first and second disc mountingportions 120, 121 in the state positioned at the central portion in leftand right directions of the tray 107. At the opening edge of thisopening portion 122, a supporting projection 122 a which issubstantially U-shaped for supporting the central portion of the disc105 mounted on the first or second disc mounting portion 120 or 121 isintegrally formed in a projected manner as shown in FIG. 17.

Further, at the insertion end side into the disc recording and/orreproducing apparatus 21 of the tray 107, there are provided, as shownin FIGS. 17 and 18, an engagement releasing portion 123 for releasingengagement of the opening/closing pin 30 of the rotational arm 29provided at the disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus 21 sideengaged with the engagement portion 111 of the holder 106. Thisengagement releasing portion 123 is provided so as to close theinsertion end side into the disc recording and/or reproducing unit 21 ofthe recording and/or reproduction opening portion 122, and is adapted sothat when the tray 107 is inserted with respect to the holder 106 insuch a manner that the tray 107 overlaps with the holder 106, the tray107 is caused to overlap with the engagement portion 111 to therebypress opening/closing pin 30 engaged with the engagement portion 111 torotate the rotational arm 29 against biasing force of the torsion coilspring to release engagement with respect to the engagement portion 111of the opening/closing pin 30.

Further, at the tray 7, there are provided plural disc supportingmembers 125 for supporting the outer circumferential edge side of thedisc 105 mounted on the first mounting portion 120 in the statepositioned at the outer periphery of the first disc mounting portion 120and for preventing slipping off from the first disc mounting portion 120of the disc 105. As shown in FIG. 17, these supporting members 125 arerespectively rotatably attached through attachment holes 124 bored atthe outer periphery of the first disc mounting portion 120 so that thedisc supporting portion of the front end side is subjected to rising andsetting within the first disc mounting portion 120. These discsupporting members 125 are adapted so that even in the case where thetray 107 is vertically provided, slipping off of the disc mounted on thesecond disc mounting portion 120 can be prevented.

At one surface side of the tray 107, as shown in FIG. 17, there areprojected engagement projections 126, 126 engaged with guide grooves113, 113 provided at the holder 106 side when tray 107 is inserted intothe holder 106. These engagement projections 126, 126 are provided inthe state positioned on both sides of the insertion end side into thedisc recording and/or reproducing apparatus 21 of the tray 107.

Moreover, there are provided engagement recessed portions 130, 130relatively engaged with engagement projections 114, 114 provided at theholder 106 when the tray 107 is caused to overlap with the holder 106 asshown in FIG. 12 in the state positioned at one surface side opposite tothe holder 106 of the tray 107. These engagement recessed portions 130,130 are provided in the state positioned on both sides of the insertionend side into the disc recording and/or reproducing unit 21 of the tray107.

The tray 107 is adapted so that when this tray is caused to overlap withthe holder 106, engagement projections 114, 114 and engagement recessedportions 130, 130 are relatively engaged with each other, wherebyoverlapping position with respect to the holder 106 is held, thus makingit possible to securely hold the disc 105 mounted on the first andsecond mounting portions 120, 121.

In this example, at the engagement projections 114, 114 and theengagement recessed portions 130, 130, there are formed inclinedsurfaces on one side so as to have ability to easily carry outengagement/withdrawal to each other.

At both sides in parallel to the insertion direction with respect to theholder 106 of the tray 107, there are provided, as shown in FIGS. 18 and19, respective pairs of projection portions 128, 128 and 129, 129serving as the guide portion engaged with the guide grooves 116, 116provided at both sides of the holder 106 when this tray 107 is insertedinto the holder 106. These projection portions 128, 128 and 129, 129 areprovided, as shown in FIG. 19, in the state split into the insertion endside and one end side with respect to the disc recording and/orreproducing unit 21 of the tray 107.

Further, at both sides of one end side opposite to the insertion endside into the disc recording and/or reproducing unit 21 of the tray 107,there are provided, as shown in FIG. 17, grip portions 134, 134 whichgrip only the tray 107 to independently permit drawing operation withrespect to the holder 106. As shown in FIG. 12, these grip portions 134,134 are provided at the position facing to the external through drawingcut portion 112 provided at one end side of the tray 107 when the tray107 is inserted into the holder 106 so that it is caused to overlap withthis tray 106. At one surface side of the gripping portions 134, 134,there is formed an uneven portion 134 a serving as slide stopper whenfinger is put.

Furthermore, at both sides of the insertion end into the disc recordingand/or reproducing apparatus 21 of the tray 107, there are providedengagement recessed portions 135, 135 with which there is engagedcartridge engagement member 40 of the cartridge drawing mechanism 35provided at the disc recording and/or reproducing unit 21 side when thetray is caused to overlap with the holder 106 and is inserted into thedisc recording and/or reproducing apparatus in a manner integraltherewith as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. These engagement recessedportions 135, 135 are adapted as shown in FIG. 12 so that when the firstdisc mounting portion 120 is caused to overlap with the tray 106 so thatit is covered by the holder 106, they are provided at the positioncommunicating with the engagement holes 117, 117 provided at the holder106 side. By providing the engagement recessed portions 135, 135 in thisway, the holder 106 and the tray 107 are simultaneously engaged with thecartridge engagement member 40. By providing the engagement holes 117,117 and the engagement recessed portions 135, 135 in this way, theholder 106 and the tray 107 are caused to simultaneously undergo drawingoperation by the cartridge drawing mechanism 35 of the disc recordingand/or reproducing unit 21. Thus, simplification of the cartridgedrawing mechanism 35 can be realized, and the tray 107 on which the disc105 is mounted is permitted to securely undergo loading with respect tothe disc recording and/or reproducing unit 21.

Further, at the other surface side of the tray 107, there are provided,as shown in FIG. 18, a circular first positioning hole 132 and anelliptical second positioning hole 133 with which positioning pins, notshown provided at the cartridge loading portion side are engaged whenthis second disc cartridge 101 is loaded with respect to the cartridgeloading portion of the disc recording and/or reproducing unit 21. Thesefirst and second positioning holes 132, 133 are provided in the statepositioned on both sides of one end side of the tray 107.

Furthermore, at both sides opposite to each other of the tray 107, thereare provided recessed portions 137, 137 for putting finger which permitsfinger to be put with respect to the outer circumferential edge of thisdisc 105 when disc 105 mounted on the first disc mounting portion 120 istaken out. These finger putting recessed portions 137, 137 are formed soas to have depth up to the bottom surface of the first disc mountingportion 120.

In this example, at the tray 107, although not shown, there may beprovided an erroneous erasing prevention hole for preventing thatinformation signals are erroneously recorded with respect to the disc105 to thereby erase information signals recorded in advance.

The holder 106 and the tray 107 of the second disc cartridge 101according to this invention constituted as described above areintegrally assembled by inserting the tray 107 into the portion betweenside walls 106 b, 106 b of the holder 106. At this time, the tray 107 isinserted into this holder 106 in the state where one surface side wherethe first and second disc mounting portions 120, 121 are provided isopposed to the holder 106. Moreover, the tray 107 engages engagementprojections 126, 126 provided at one surface side with the respectiveguide groves 113, 113 of the holder 106 to further engage projectionportions 128, 128 and 129, 129 provided at both sides opposite to eachother with guide grooves 116, 116 formed at the internal surface of theside walls 106 b, 106 b of the holder 106, whereby they are held by theholder 106 so that it can be moved in the direction indicated by arrow Xand in the direction indicated by arrow Y in FIG. 13 while being guidedby these guide grooves 113, 113 and guide grooves 116, 116.

The tray 107 held by the holder 106 is adapted so that the projectingportions 128, 128 and 129, 129 are moved in the direction indicated byarrow X in FIG. 12 while being guided by the guide grooves 113, 113 andthe guide grooves 116, 116 by thrusting one end side thereinto, and arecaused to overlap with the holder 106 so that the first disc mountingportion 120 is covered by the holder 106 as shown in FIG. 12. At thistime, engagement projections 114, 114 of the holder 106 side are engagedwith engagement recessed portions 130, 130 of the tray 107 side. As aresult, overlapping position with respect to the holder 106 of the tray107 is held. Thus, the state where the first and second disc mountingportions 102, 121 are covered by the holder 107 is securely held.Further, a portion of both sides of the insertion end side of the tray107 is engaged with holding portions 141, 142, whereby further insertionwith respect to the holder 107 is limited. Thus, the tray 107 issecurely held by the holder 107.

The tray 107 caused to overlap with the holder 106 is adapted so thatwhen the holder 107 is fixed to grip either one grip portion 134 of oneend side to draw out it in the direction indicated by arrow Y in FIG.12, engagement of engagement projections 114, 114 with respect to theengagement recessed portions 130, 130 is caused to be out of position.Thus, further drawing operation in the direction indicated by arrow Y inFIG. 12 can be made. Further, when the tray 107 is further drawn and isdrawn until the position at which the engagement projections 126, 126are caused to collide against the strike pieces 113 a, 113 a so thatmovement is limited, the first and second disc mounting portions 120,121 are opened. Thus, exchange of the disc 105 with respect to the firstor second disc mounting portion 120 or 121 can be carried out.

By exchanging the disc 105 thereafter to insert the tray 107 into theholder 106 for a second time, the first and second disc mountingportions 120, 121 are covered by the holder 107, resulting in the statewhere the tray 107 and the holder 106 are integrated. Thus, thereresults second disc cartridge 101 of which size is caused to besubstantially in correspondence with the first disc cartridge 1.

The operation for allowing the second disc cartridge 101 according tothis invention to undergo loading with respect to the previouslydescribed disc recording and/or reproducing unit 21 adapted so that thefirst disc cartridge 1 is caused to undergo loading to exchange disc 105mounted on the tray 107 in the state held by the disc recording and/orreproducing unit 21 will now be described.

In order to allow the second disc cartridge 101 to undergo loading withrespect to the disc recording and/or reproducing unit 21, the tray 107is inserted into the holder 106 to integrate the tray 107 and the holder106 as shown in FIG. 12.

When the second disc cartridge 101 is caused to undergo loading, thedisc recording and/or reproducing unit 21 places, similarly to the casewhere the previously described first disc cartridge 1 is caused toundergo loading, the cartridge holding plate 24 at a first positionwhich is the position of the upper side spaced or away from the discrotational operation mechanism 55 and the optical pick-up device 56.

Further, the second disc cartridge 101 is inserted into the unit body 22through the cartridge insertion/withdrawal hole 23 from the insertionend side where engagement portion 111 with which opening/closing pin 30is engaged is provided. The second disc cartridge 101 inserted into theunit body 22 is mounted on the cartridge holding plate 24 in the statewhere both sides perpendicular to the insertion end side are held by thecartridge holding portions 25, 26.

Further, when the second disc cartridge 101 is inserted into theinternal of the unit body 22, it is caused to overlap with the holder106. Thus, the opening/closing pin 30 is caused to be in contact withthe engagement releasing portion 123 provided at the insertion end sideof the tray 107 which allows the engagement portion 111 with which theopening/closing pin 30 is engaged to be in closed state. Further, thereresults the state where engagement with respect to the engagementportion 111 of the opening/closing pin 30 is limited.

When after the opening/closing pin 30 is caused to be in contact withthe engagement releasing portion 123, the second disc cartridge 101 isfurther slightly inserted into the internal of the unit body 22,cartridge engagement member 40 of the cartridge drawing mechanism 35 isengaged with the engagement hole 117 provided at one side of the holder106 as shown in FIG. 21. At this time, since the tray 107 is caused tooverlap with the holder 106, there results the state where it isopposite to the engagement recessed portion 135 of the engagement hole117 of the holder 106 and is caused to communicate therewith. In view ofthe above, the cartridge engagement member 40 engaged with theengagement hole 117 of the holder 106 is simultaneously engaged with theengagement recessed portion 135, thus to integrally hold the holder 106and the tray 107.

When the second disc cartridge 101 is inserted until the position atwhich the cartridge engagement member 40 is engaged with the holder 106,and the engagement hole 117 and the engagement recessed portion 135 ofthe tray 107, it is detected by detection means (not shown) that thesecond disc cartridge 101 has been inserted into the unit body 22. As aresult, drive motor 50 constituting the cartridge drawing mechanism 35starts driving in a forward rotational direction. Thus, cam plate 48 isrotated in the direction indicated by arrow I in FIG. 21 through theconnection gear mechanism 51 to rotate the first rotational lever 37 inthe direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow G in FIG. 21against biasing force of the extension spring 44 to move the secondrotational lever 39 in the direction opposite to the direction indicatedby arrow H in FIG. 21. Further, the second disc cartridge 101 in whichengagement pawl 43 of the cartridge engagement member 40 supported bythe second rotational lever 39 is engaged with the engagement hole 117and the engagement recessed portion 135 is drawn until drawing positionof the internal of the unit body 2 at which center hole 105 a of thedisc 105 accommodated within the disc cartridge 101 is opposite to thedisc table 55 a of the disc rotational operation mechanism 55 as shownin FIG. 22 while the both sides are guided by the cartridge holdingportions 25, 26.

When the drive motor 50 is further driven in a forward rotationaldirection from this time point, the cam plate 48 is rotated in thedirection indicated by arrow I in FIG. 22. As a result, the cartridgeholding plate 24 is moved toward the second position side where thecartridge holding plate 24 has fallen to the side of the disc rotationaloperation mechanism 55 and the optical pick-up unit 56 side. When thecartridge holding plate 24 has fallen to the second position side, thedisc 101 accommodated within the second disc cartridge 101 is mounted onthe disc table 55 a of the disc rotational operation mechanism 55, andis clamped by this disc table 55 a and clamping member 109 provided atthe holder 106. Thus, there results the state where the disc 101 can berotated in one body with the disc table 55 a. At this time point, thedisc rotational operation mechanism 55 starts rotational drive. As aresult, the optical pick-up unit 56 moves in the radial direction of theoptical disc 2. Thus, the signal recording surface of the disc 105 isscanned by light beams emitted from the optical pick-up unit 56 so thatrecording and/or reproduction of information signals are carried out.

When recording and/or reproduction operation of information signals withrespect to the optical disc 2 are completed and eject button (not shown)provided at the unit body 22 is operated, the drive motor 50 is drivenin reverse rotational direction so that the cam plate 48 is rotated,whereby the cartridge holding plate 24 is elevated in a first positiondirection spaced or away from the disc rotational operation mechanism 55and the optical pick-up unit 56. Followed by upper movement of thiscartridge holding plate 24, the first disc cartridge 1 is also elevated.When the drive motor 50 is further driven in reverse rotationaldirection from this time point, and the cam plate 48 is rotated in thedirection indicated by arrow I in FIG. 22, the first rotational lever 37undergoes biasing force of the extension spring 44 so that it is rotatedin the direction indicated by arrow G in FIG. 22. As a result, thesecond rotational lever 39 moves the cartridge engagement member 40 ofthe front end side toward the cartridge insertion/withdrawal hole 23side to project the second disc cartridge 101 engaged with thiscartridge engagement member 40 toward the external of the unit body 22through the cartridge insertion/withdrawal hole 23 as shown in FIG. 21.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 21, the second disc cartridge 101 is inthe state where the cartridge engagement member 40 is engaged with theholder 106, and the engagement hole 117 and the engagement recessedportion 135 of the tray 107, and is held within the unit body 22 in thestate where one end side is projected from the cartridgeinsertion/withdrawal hole 23.

When user grips the grip portion 134 in this state to draw out the tray107 in the direction indicated by arrow Y in FIG. 21, the cartridgeengagement member 40 is pressed by one side of the engagement recessedportion 135 and is rotated in the direction opposite to the directionindicated by arrow F in FIG. 21 against biasing force of the extensionspring 44. As a result, engagement with respect to the engagementrecessed portion 135 is released, resulting in the state where it isengaged with only the engagement hole 117 of the holder 106 side. Thus,there results the state where only the holder 106 is held by thecartridge holding plate 24. At this time, engagement between engagementprojections 114, 114 and engagement recessed portions 130, 130relatively engaged so as to integrate the holder 106 and the tray 107 isalso released. Thus, only the tray 107 can be moved.

When only the tray 107 is away from the holder 106 and is independentlymoved, the opening/closing pin 30 is caused to be in contact with theengagement releasing portion 123, whereby the rotational arm 29 rotatedagainst biasing force of the torsion coil spring 32 undergoes biasingforce of the torsion coil spring 32, and is rotated in the directionindicated by arrow E in FIG. 21. Further, the rotational arm 29 isrotated in the direction indicated by arrow E in FIG. 23 while allowingthe opening/closing pin 30 to undergo pressure-contact with respect tothe engagement releasing portion 123 in a manner following furtherdrawing operation in the direction indicated by arrow Y in FIG. 23 ofthe tray 107.

Further, when the tray 107 is away from the holder 106, and is drawn outtoward the external of the unit body 22 in the direction indicated byarrow Y in FIG. 23, and the engagement portion 111 covered by theengagement releasing portion 123 is opened, the opening/closing pin 30in contact with the engagement releasing portion 123 is admitted intothe engagement portion 111. When the tray 107 is further drawn outtoward the external of the unit body 22, it is away from the engagementreleasing portion 123 of the opening/closing pin 30. At this time, theholder 106 is adapted so that since cartridge engagement member 40 isengaged with the engagement hole 117 and movement is limited and held atinsertion position within the unit body 22, the opening/closing pin 30is engaged with second engagement groove 111 b of the engagement portion111.

The holder 106 is adapted so that when the opening/closing pin 30 isengaged with the second engagement groove 111 b, movement to the unitbody 22 in the direction indicated by arrow Y in FIG. 23 is limited bythe rotational arm 29, resulting in the state where it is held atinsertion position within the unit body 22. Only tray 107 is furtherdrawn out from this time point toward the external of the unit body inthe direction indicated by arrow Y in FIG. 23, thereby making itpossible to face first and second disc mounting portions 120, 121 towardthe external of the unit body 22. Thus, there results the state whereexchange of disc 105 mounted on the first or second disc mountingportion 120 or 121 can be made. At this time, the tray 107 is adapted sothat engagement projections 126, 126 are caused to collide againststriking pieces 113 a, 113 a. Thus, drawing operation from the holder106 is limited, resulting in the state where it is held by the unit body22.

As stated above, the second disc cartridge 101 according to thisinvention can carry out exchange of the disc 105 in the state where itis loaded with respect to the disc recording and/or reproducingapparatus 21.

When the tray 107 is inserted into the internal of the unit body 22after exchange of the disc 105 is carried out, the engagement releasingportion 123 provided at the insertion end side comes into contact withthe opening/closing pin 30 engaged with the second engagement groove 111b of the engagement portion 111 as shown in FIG. 23. When the tray 107is further inserted in the direction indicated by arrow X in FIG. 23 ofthe internal of the unit body 22 from this time point, theopening/closing pin 30 is pressed by the engagement releasing portion123, and the rotational arm 29 is rotated in the direction opposite tothe direction indicated by arrow E in FIG. 23 against biasing force ofthe torsion coil spring 32. Further, when the tray 107 is inserted intothe unit body 22 until the position at which the engagement releasingportion 123 overlaps with the engagement portion 111, the rotational arm29 is further rotated in the direction opposite to the directionindicated by arrow E in FIG. 23 against biasing force of the torsioncoil spring 32 by the engagement releasing portion 123. Thus, theopening/closing pin 30 is detached from the engagement portion 111.

Further, when the tray 107 is inserted into the unit body 22 until theposition where the engagement releasing portion 123 overlaps with theengagement portion 111, the cartridge engagement member 40 engaged withthe engagement hole 117 of the holder 106 is engaged with the engagementrecessed portion 135. As a result, the tray 107 is integrated with theholder 106, and is caused to overlap with the holder 106. Thus, thereresults second disc cartridge 101 in a form similar to the first disccartridge 1.

In this case, when the cartridge drawing mechanism 35 is driven, thesecond disc cartridge 101 is moved to second position close to the sideof the disc rotational operation mechanism 55 and the optical pick-upunit 56 in the state held by the cartridge holding plate 24, resultingin the state where recording and/or reproduction of exchanged new disc105 can be made.

In the case where the second disc cartridge 101 is ejected from the discrecording and/or reproducing unit 21, in the state where the holder 106and the tray 107 are caused to overlap with each other, and in the stateshown in FIG. 21 where a portion of one end side before the second disccartridge 101 is drawn by the cartridge drawing mechanism 35 isprojected from the cartridge insertion/withdrawal hole 23, holder 106 isgripped along with tray 107 through grip portion 115 provided at theholder 106. Further, the holder 106 and the tray 107 are drawn out inthe direction indicated arrow Y in FIG. 21, whereby the entire ejectoperation of the second disc cartridge 101 is carried out.

At this time, since there is the state where the engagement portion 111is covered by the engagement releasing portion 123, engagement withrespect to the holder 106 of the rotational arm 29 is limited, andengagements of the engagement member 40 with respect to the engagementhole 117 of the holder 106 and the engagement recessed portion 135 ofthe tray 107 are released at the same time followed by movement of theholder 106 and the tray 105.

It is to be noted while the above-described second disc cartridge 101according to this invention is of a structure in which tray 7 is movablyheld with respect to the holder 6, there may be employed a configurationin which extending slider 158 is disposed for the purpose of ensuringmovement quantity of the tray 7 drawn out with respect to the holder 6so that it has large value.

Another example of the second disc cartridge according to this inventionprovided with extending slider 158 will now be described with referenceto FIG. 25. It is to be noted that since this disc cartridge 102 issubstantially common to the basic configuration of the above-describeddisc cartridge 101, the same reference numerals are respectivelyattached to the same portions and the detailed explanation will beomitted.

As shown in FIG. 25, the second disc cartridge 102 comprises a holder156 for covering first and second disc mounting portions 120, 121provided at the tray 157, the tray 157 movably disposed with respect tothis holder 156 and adapted so that disc 105 is mounted, and anextending slider 158 for increasing drawing movement quantity of thetray 157 with respect to the holder 56.

At both sides in parallel to insertion direction with respect to theholder 156 of the tray 157, there are provided respective pairs ofprojection portions 161, 161 and 162, 162 as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26.The tray 157 is adapted so that respective projecting portions 161, 161are engaged with guide grooves 116 of the holder 156. The extendingslider 158 is composed of a pair of supporting portions 158 a, 158 bmovably supported by the holder 156 and for movably supporting the tray157, and a connecting portion 158 c which connects these supportingportions 158 a, 158 b. At these supporting portions 158 a, 158 b, thereare respectively provided parallel guide grooves 163, 163 in theinsertion/withdrawal direction with respect to the disc recording and/orreproducing unit 21 at the internal surface side of the side surfacesopposite to each other in parallel to movement direction. Otherprojection portions 162, 162 of tray 57 are respectively movably engagedwith respect to these guide grooves 163, 163.

Moreover, projection portions 164, 164 for guide are respectivelyintegrally formed in a projected manner at the side surface of theexternal side at the supporting portions 158 a, 158 b. These projectionportions 164, 164 for guide are respectively inserted through guidegrooves 116, 116 of the tray 57 so that they can be move. Further, atsupporting portions 158 a, 158 b, at one end surface opposite to thetray 157, there are projected striking portions 165, 165 where endsurface of the insertion side into the disc recording and/or reproducingunit 21 of the tray 157 is struck

Moreover, at one surface sides of supporting portions 158 a, 158 b,although not shown, guide projections are integrally formed and aremovably engaged with guide grooves formed at one surface side of theholder 156. Further, at the other surface side of supporting portions158 a, 158 b, although not shown, guide grooves are formed and guideprojections integrally projected on one surface of the tray 157 aremovably engaged with these guide grooves. A connection portion 158 c isintegrally formed over these supporting portions 158 a, 158 b so as toconnect respective supporting portions 158 a, 158 b.

It is to be noted that length of the extending slider 158 is suitablyset by taking into consideration drawing quantity, etc. from the unitbody 22 of the tray 157 in the state where the second disc cartridge 102is held by the disc recording and/or reproducing unit 21.

The operation of the tray 157 and the extending slider 158 with respectto the holder 156 will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28 inconnection with the second disc cartridge 102 constituted as describedabove.

As shown in FIG. 26, when the tray 157 is drawn with respect to theholder 156, this disc cartridge 102 is adapted so that respectiveprojection portions 161, 161 of the tray 157 and projection portion 164of the extending slider 158 are moved along the guide groove 116 of theholder 156, and projection 162 of the tray 157 is moved along the guidegroove 163 of the extending slider 158, whereby the tray 157 is drawnout. Namely, the disc cartridge 102 is adapted so that the tray 157 andthe extending slider 158 are caused to undergo movement operation in amanner interlocking therewith with respect to the holder 156.

Further, when after disc 105 mounted on the tray 157 is exchanged, thisdisc cartridge 102 is adapted so that when tray 157 is thrust withrespect to the holder 156 as shown in FIG. 27, projection portion 162 oftray 157 is caused to collide against one end portion of guide groove163 of extending slider 158, and the extending slider 158 is moved withrespect to holder 156 along with the tray 157 and is thrust thereinto.Further, the tray 157 is adapted so that projection portion 161 isengaged with opening end of guide groove 116 of the holder 156.

In accordance with the above-described second disc cartridge 102, whenthe extending slider 158 is provided to thereby exchange the disc 105 inthe state where holder 156 is held by the disc recording and/orreproducing unit 21, movement quantity of the tray 157 drawn out withrespect to the holder 156 can be increased. Thus, exchange of the disc105 becomes more easy.

Moreover, while the above-described second disc cartridge 102 usessingle extending slider 158, extending slider divided into pluralportions may be used.

Other second disc cartridge 103 respectively having first and secondextending sliders 178, 179 will be explained with reference to FIG. 28.

It is to be noted that since the second disc cartridge 103 shown here issubstantially common to the basic configuration of the above-describedsecond disc cartridge 102, the same reference numerals are respectivelyattached to the same members, and the detailed explanation is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 28, the second disc cartridge 103 comprises a holder176 for covering first and second disc mounting portions 120, 121provided at the tray 177, and a first extending slider 178 and a secondextending slider 179 which extend drawing quantity of tray 177 withrespect to the holder 176.

As shown in FIG. 28, at the tray 177, engagement releasing portions 181a, 181 b for releasing engagement with respect to rotational arm 29 ofthe disc recording and/or reproducing unit 21 engaged with engagementportion 111 of the holder 176 are respectively formed, in the statepositioned at the insertion end side into the disc recording and/orreproducing unit 21, and in a manner adjacent to the recording and/orreproducing opening portion 122.

The first extending slider 178 and the second extending slider 179 aremovably supported by the holder 176 through guide groove and projectingportion (not shown) provided at the side surface in parallel to movementdirection, and movably support the tray 177.

It is to be noted that while respective second disc cartridges 101, 102,103 according to this invention are adapted so that clamping member 109is provided at holders 106, 156, 176, the clamping member 109 is notnecessarily required.

In addition, the second disc cartridge according to this invention isnot limited to the optical disc as disc, but it is a matter of coursethat this invention can be applied to other disc-shaped opticalrecording media such as magneto-optical disc, etc.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the disc cartridge according to this invention ispermitted to undergo loading as it is with respect to the disc recordingand/or reproducing unit in which disc cartridge conventionally used iscaused to undergo loading, and exchange of disc accommodated in thestate where it is held by the disc recording and/or reproducingapparatus can be carried out.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disc cartridge for loading into a recordingand/or reproducing apparatus and having a disc serving as a recordingmedium of information signals accommodated therein and an open portionfor allowing a portion of the disc to be faced toward an exterior of therecording and/or reproducing apparatus along a radial direction, thedisc cartridge comprising: a holder provided with an engagement portionfor engaging shutter opening means provided in the recording and/orreproducing apparatus, the engagement portion being positioned at aninsertion end side of the recording and/or reproducing apparatus; and atray provided with a disc mounting portion whereon the disc serving asthe recording medium of information signals is mounted at one surfaceside covered by the holder, and wherein the tray is adapted for movingwhen the engagement portion is engaged with the shutter opening means,so that the tray is drawn from the recording and/or reproducingapparatus with the holder held by the shutter opening means.
 2. The disccartridge as set forth in claim 1, wherein the tray includes releasingmeans for releasing engagement of the engagement portion of the holderwith the shutter opening means at the insertion end side of therecording and/or reproducing apparatus.
 3. The disc cartridge as setforth in claim 1, wherein the engagement portion includes a firstengagement recessed portion and a second engagement recessed portionsymmetrically formed with respect to a center line parallel to amovement direction of the tray.
 4. The disc cartridge as set forth inclaim 2, wherein the releasing means is adapted for releasing engagementof the engagement portion of the holder with the shutter opening meanswhen the tray is moved to a position where the disc mounting portion iscovered by the holder.
 5. The disc cartridge as set forth in claim 1,further comprising: an engagement hole for engaging holding meansprovided in the recording and/or reproducing apparatus, the engagementhole being positioned at one side of an insertion end side of theholder; and an engagement recessed portion for communicating with theengagement hole so that the holding means is engaged when the holder andthe tray overlap with each other so that the disc mounting portion iscovered by the holder.
 6. The disc cartridge as set forth in claim 1,wherein the tray includes an open portion for allowing disc rotationalmeans and recording and/or reproducing means disposed in the recordingand/or reproducing apparatus to be faced toward the insertion end sideof the recording and/or reproducing apparatus.
 7. The disc cartridge asset forth in claim 6, wherein the holder includes a clamping member forclamping the disc mounted on the disc mounting portion of the tray incooperation with the disc rotational means disposed in the recordingand/or reproducing apparatus.
 8. The disc cartridge as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the tray includes, at an outer periphery of the discmounting portion, a plurality of disc supporting members adapted forbeing subjected to rising and setting with respect to the outerperiphery of the disc mounting portion and for supporting the discmounted on the disc mounting portion.
 9. The disc cartridge as set forthin claim 1, further comprising guide means for guiding movement of thetray relative to the holder.
 10. The disc cartridge as set forth inclaim 9, wherein the guide means comprises: rail portions formed on thetray at a pair of side surfaces opposite to each other in parallel to amovement direction of the tray; a pair of side walls formed on theholder respectively opposite to the pair of side surfaces; and guidegrooves formed on the holder for engaging the rail portions.
 11. Thedisc cartridge as set forth in claim 1, wherein, between the holder andthe tray, there is provided slipping off prevention means for preventingthe tray from slipping off the holder when the tray is drawn up to aposition where the disc mounting portion covered by the holder ispermitted to undergo loading/unloading of the disc.
 12. The disccartridge as set forth in claim 11, wherein the slipping off preventionmeans comprises: projections respectively formed at one surface wherethe disc mounting portion is formed and at a surface covering the discmounting portion; and guide grooves having a closed end side engagedwith the projections.
 13. The disc cartridge as set forth in claim 1,wherein, between the holder and the tray, there is provided movementlimiting means for limiting relative movement between the holder and thetray when the holder and the tray overlap with each other at a positionfor covering the disc mounting portion.
 14. The disc cartridge as setforth in claim 1, wherein the tray includes a grip portion forpermitting gripping of the holder at one end side opposite to theinsertion end side of the recording and/or reproducing apparatus. 15.The disc cartridge as set forth in claim 1, wherein the holder includes,at one end side opposite to insertion end side of the recording and/orreproducing apparatus, a grip portion for permitting gripping of theholder and the tray when the holder and the tray overlap with each otherat a position for covering the disc mounting portion.
 16. The disccartridge as set forth in claim 1, wherein the tray is supported by theholder through extending means supported by the holder.
 17. The disccartridge as set forth in claim 16, wherein the extending means aredisposed at sides opposite to each other and parallel to a movementdirection of the tray.